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Monday, October 6, 2014

Petal Path quilt finished

It's finished! Actually, I managed to finish it just in time for my shipping deadline last week. Phew! That's a huge weight off my shoulders. Do you like how it turned out?

Actually, it did come together in the way I had hoped. I like how the flowers meander down one side of the bed; the way the "background" surrounding them is visually complex, yet not as strong as the flowers; and the way the border adds a nice (and quick-to-sew) frame. It all worked out! It usually does. The key is to keep going!

My quickest quilting mode (continuous eights) suits this quilt perfectly, thank goodness. I made some simple hera markings to guide me and went at it! Honestly, I think the binding took as long as the quilting. Keep in mind, I machine bind!

Speaking of binding, I used a vivid Kona pink that totally matches the
border fabric up close, but looks a bit bright when you step back. I think it works, but a lighter pink would have been better. That's something to keep in mind when you're working with a low volume border. Matching the literal color may not be as key as matching the color as it's perceived at a comfortable distance.

The border fabric, that pretty bird print and several other fabrics used here are by Heather Bailey, from her recent Up Parasol collection for FreeSpirit (available here and here). This soft, girly look is going to be perfect for my little, little niece.

On the back, I did my usual mix up of large cuts I happened to have on hand. There's the rest of those birds and a yard of a Pretty Potent print by Anna Maria Horner. Sometimes, on the back of a bed quilt, anything goes.

And that's a wrap! This quilt and another for my nephew are already winging their way to family in California. I've enjoyed sewing for my nieces and nephews this year, but I'm ready for a season of sewing for my own little ones now.

This is lovely, Rachel! It's sweet and happy -- just perfect for a little girl! I'm sure your niece will cherish it! Congrats on finishing it up and being able to move on to some sewing for your own (growing) family!

I love how the flowers cascade down the quilt ~ just what you wanted and you achieved it beautifully. And the flowers pop just enough against the green background.

I sit here in awe of how quickly you put together your quilts. Not to mention all that baby sewing that is underway! And yet, I am still working at piecing my Indian triangles quilt together, SLOWLY (and this is a fast quilt to put together). My youngest of 3 littles is 3 himself and provides me with plenty of interruptions! :) If I only had a tick of your speed, oh what one could achieve!

I just have to tell you how much I enjoy the quilt ~ ~ It is totally unique and happy. I also like the brighter fabric for the binding ~ ~ it frames it and grounds the softer colors so they won't just float away :)

I'm a timid FMQ, but am determined to give your 8's a try on my next project! Thank you for the inspiration and reminder!

Gorgeous! I love the background and the meandering flowers it gives it such a modern vibe with a vintage flowers look! If that makes any sense, probably not. Anyway I love it and I'm sure you niece will be very excited to receive this in the mail!

I absolutely love the quilt! I have a question for you about your labels. Where do you have yours made? They look like satin labels. I've been getting cotton ones that have my logo printed on but after a couple washes the logo washes off. I'd like something more permanent.